Ventura County Landmark No. 5: Rancho Arnaz Adobe
Historical Background
The Rancho-Arnaz Adobe, located halfway between Ventura and Ojai, is a historical adobe residence also known as the Stage Route Halfway House. The adobe was built by Don Jose de Arnaz in 1863 on the Rancho Santa Ana, which was acquired by Don Jose around 1860. The structure sits on the banks of San Antonio Creek near its junction with the Ventura River. It is said to be the oldest privately owned adobe in Ventura County and one of the oldest continuously lived-in residences in the county.
Don Jose de Arnaz
Don Jose de Arnaz was born in Spain in 1821, where he studied to be a doctor. He came to California in 1841 as a merchant, and he opened a general merchandising store in Los Angeles. In 1845, he moved to San Buenaventura, leasing the mission from the Mexican government. Don Jose worked successfully as a merchant, doctor, and Rancher, being a driving force in establishing the township of San Buenaventura (Walker & Masion, 2011).
Don Jose acquired the ranch when it was gifted to him by the Vanegas family. He had the adobe built where he and his wife lived and raised their children for 25 years. They would host parties, dinners, barbecues, and dances, and Don Jose was said to be very generous, never turning away anyone in need and always happy to provide a meal to any passersby (Langford, 1956).
Changes through the years
Originally, the adobe faced south towards the nearby orchard. It was two stories with bedrooms on both of its floors. The ground floor had a living room, kitchen, and dining room, and several sleeping quarters. Don Jose built out a wooden porch as a school room for his children and neighboring children (Langford, 1956).
Over the years, later owners made several known alterations to the adobe. The roof was lowered, and the home converted to a one-story. In addition, the home was reoriented so that the front of the home faced north. Some of its distinctive features, such as the original beams and adobe walls, were covered as part of a later owner’s desire to have a Craftsman-style motif (Langford, 1956). However, the original walls (which are 26 inches thick), beams, and floors remain part of the structure. Today, the ranch is known for its apples grown on the property (Walker & Masion, 2011).
Additional Reading
References
Walker, C., & Mason, D. (2011, October 18). Arnaz was a merchant, doctor, and Rancher. Ojai History. http://ojaihistory.com/arnaz-was-a-merchant-doctor-and-rancher/
Langford, D. O. (1956, December 28). The Story of Rancho Arnaz. Ventura County.
Date Designated: January 1969
Location: 9504 North Ventura Avenue, Oak View
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